Alaina is a co-facilitator of the Visionary Women program. She was part of the 2019 cohort of Visionary Women, and was honored to be welcomed into the Interfaith Philadelphia community as a consultant to plan and co-facilitate Civil Conversations trainings for youth educators.

​

Although Alaina is new to the Interfaith Philadelphia staff team, she has long worked to help young people feel equipped to seek out and learn from individuals different from themselves. Alaina studied History at Cornell University and NYU, earning a B.A. and M.A. She was drawn to History because it helps us better understand ourselves and others. As a high school History teacher, Alaina fostered a student-led, discussion-based classroom. Both the content and pedagogy gave students practice with exploring difficult topics in a respectful and collaborative atmosphere. Alaina is thrilled to bring her experience to Interfaith Philadelphia and in turn to learn from her colleagues and the Visionary Women participants.

​

Alaina also directs a project that is working to improve our understanding of effective political campaigning. The goal is not to get better at marketing politicians, but rather to figure out how our representatives can more authentically connect with and represent their constituents. Alaina also enjoys being in nature, reading, and spending time with her husband and three-year-old son. She is new to the Philadelphia area, and welcomes all suggestions for places to explore!